Two gangsters seek revenge on the state jail worker who during their stay at a youth prison sexually abused them. A sensational court hearing takes place to charge him for the crimes.
Acting
Bacon's sleazy guard is so hateable you'll want to fight your TV.
Direction
Levinson balances exploitation and empathy like a tightrope over hell.
Writing
The church-confession loophole is *chef's kiss* legally deranged.
Director
Barry Levinson
Kevin Bacon
Nokes
Robert De Niro
Father Bobby
Dustin Hoffman
Danny Snyder
Bruno Kirby
Shakes' Father
Jason Patric
Shakes
Brad Pitt
Michael
Minnie Driver
Carol
Brad Renfro
Young Michael
Ron Eldard
John
Billy Crudup
Tommy
Vittorio Gassman
King Benny
Terry Kinney
Ralph
Frank Medrano
Fat Mancho
Jonathan Tucker
Young Tommy
Geoffrey Wigdor
Young John
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'based on a true story' claim remains disputed; author Lorenzo Carcaterra insists it's factual while journalists found zero evidence.
The casting of Pitt and Patric as the adult versions required serious suspension of disbelief—they look nothing like their younger counterparts.
US
